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The Best Security Practices for Keeping Your Vacation Guests Safe - Article Banner

Good luck renting out a vacation property that doesn’t feel safe to guests.

Visitors will quickly be turned off by doors that are difficult to lock and unlock, a suspicious lack of lighting, and a lot of policy activity in a neighborhood that doesn’t quite fit the description in your listing

When guests choose a vacation rental, they’re choosing a private rental home over a hotel because they value privacy and extra space. They want to make their stay as cozy and comfortable and personalized as possible. But with a rental home there’s no 24-hour front desk staff. Vacation rental property owners need to make up for that by providing some top-tier security that ensures both their properties and their guests are safe.

Running a successful vacation rental involves more than offering a comfortable stay. And, you know that guest safety must always be a top priority. When guests feel secure in your property, they’re more likely to leave positive reviews and return for future visits. 

Adopting strong vacation rental security practices not only protects your guests but also safeguards your property, boosting trust and keeping your rental space as valuable as you want it to be.

We have been managing vacation rentals in Florida for many years, and we’ve managed to get pretty good at safety protocols and security checks. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best security practices that every vacation rental owner should follow to keep their guests safe and their property secure.

Establishing Trust and Transparency with Guests

When guests book your vacation rental, they trust you to provide a safe environment. Have you ever read Airbnb reviews about sketchy neighborhoods and buildings that were too easy to access? It happens more often than we would expect, and it’s always a surprise. This kind of feedback will turn future guests away. 

Neglecting security measures can result in accidents, theft, or worse. Any breach in security will jeopardize your reputation and even potentially lead to legal action. Prioritizing security demonstrates your professionalism and care, setting your rental apart from competitors. 

Additionally, being proactive about safety can save money in the long term by minimizing potential damages or liability issues. 

Make sure your guests can trust you. Talk about security measures in your listing. Explain how alarms work in your orientation to the property. You want your guests to trust that you care about their comfort and their safety.

First Step: Install Smart Locks

Updating your security does not have to be expensive or complicated. 

Our idea for your first step is something we think most vacation rental property owners should be doing anyway. Ditch the keys and install an updated, smart tech-driven entry system to your property. 

Smart locks are a game-changer for vacation rental security. Unlike traditional locks, smart locks allow keyless entry and temporary access codes, ensuring only authorized individuals can enter the property. 

Here’s why it’s important:

  • Reduces risks associated with lost or duplicated physical keys. Who knows how many times a metal key can be copied. And, those hotel-style scanned cards are easy to misplace. Keyless codes are far more convenient and a lot more secure.
  • Allows you to change access codes between guests for added security. You can also share codes with cleaning staff or maintenance vendors, allowing for easier access when you or your property manager cannot meet them at the property.

There are several different brands at various levels of complexity and cost. We like Schlage and August Lock, which are popular choices for vacation rentals. You’ll find these brands offer mobile app integration for easy management.

Set Up Ethical Property Surveillance 

Arguments for and against the surveillance society we live in are all valid. And while a lot of people do not like the idea of being recorded, when it comes to your private property, you have every right to keep it safe. Installing cameras outside your property ensures you can monitor entrances and deter potential intruders. 

Always be transparent about the presence of video recorders on the outside of your property. The listing should reflect this to respect transparency and guest privacy. Some additional best practices of ours include:

  • Never install cameras inside the rental or in areas that guests may consider private. 
  • Use cameras for security purposes only, not to monitor guest behavior. 

This small step adds a reassuring layer of security for both you and your guests.

Provide a Safe for Valuables

Does your property have a private safe with a lock? Consider offering one. Guests traveling with valuables, such as passports, jewelry, or electronics, appreciate having a secure place to store their items. Installing a small safe is an easy way to enhance their experience. Choose safes with digital passcodes guests can set for themselves to avoid any complications.

Ensure Adequate Lighting in Your Vacation Rental

Lighting is extremely important, especially for guests who will feel a bit disoriented in their home away from home. A well-lit exterior is one of the simplest but most effective ways to boost security. Motion sensor lights around entrances, pathways, and parking areas can help prevent accidents and deter intruders while enhancing visibility for guests. Opt for energy-efficient LEDs to reduce costs and keep your property more sustainable. Test lights regularly to ensure they’re functional. You can also set them on a timer for when the property is not occupied, allowing for extra safety during vacancy periods.

Verify Window and Door Security

Every entrance to your property invites potential vulnerability. Invest in high-quality locks for all doors, and make sure windows have secure latches. You want to frequently inspect them to ensure doors and windows open, close, and lock easily. Schedule regular inspections to check for any weak points.

A lot of Florida homes have sliding doors. Those are lovely features, but also a huge risk if they’re not secure. Upgrade sliding doors with additional locks or burglar bars.

Install Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

Safety doesn’t only mean protection from theft—it also includes protecting guests from internal dangers. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are non-negotiable in any rental property. Make sure they’re installed in appropriate places. Bedrooms need smoke detectors and the carbon monoxide detectors should be close to any appliances. We put together a maintenance checklist for these items, and this is what it looks like:

  • Test alarms monthly.
  • Replace batteries at least twice a year.
  • Place detectors on every floor of the property.

Offer Clear Emergency Instructions

What is your emergency plan? 

If you don’t have one, it’s essential to get one put together and to leave it for guests once they check into your vacation rental home. Your guests need to know what to do in case of emergencies, such as a fire or medical incident. Providing clear, accessible emergency instructions will make them feel safer and more prepared. In our emergency plans and instructions, we include:

  • Emergency contact numbers (local police, fire department, ambulance services).
  • Directions to the nearest hospital or urgent care center.
  • Instructions on how to use safety features like alarms and extinguishers.

There are many ways to share this information, and we recommend that you provide it digitally and also leave a copy at the home. Print this information and keep it in a visible spot within the rental, like near the entrance or in a welcome binder.

Don’t Forget Online Safety: Share Wi-Fi Best Practices

Guests often bring multiple electronic devices, even on vacation. They’ll connect their laptops and iPads and phones and gaming systems to your internet service. Protecting a guest’s digital safety is becoming increasingly important. Ensure your rental’s Wi-Fi is secure by using strong passwords and enabling network encryption. We strongly recommend that you use a guest network separate from your personal one. Regularly update your router’s firmware, too, in order to prevent cyber-security issues.

Building Reputation Through Strong Security Practices 

Repeat BookingsYour commitment to guest safety says a lot about your professionalism. When combined with great service, thoughtful amenities, and proactive communication, strong security measures build trust and encourage repeat bookings. It makes you look good, and when you look good, your property does, too.

Plus, incorporating these safety enhancements doesn’t just benefit your guests—it protects you as a property owner. From deterring burglars to minimizing liabilities, a secure property ensures peace of mind for everyone. This is a huge part of a successful vacation rental experience.

You want to bring security and hospitality together to provide an excellent stay. Many security improvements are easy to implement but deliver significant value to your rental. Start small by installing a smart lock or exterior lighting, and then gradually work toward more comprehensive measures like safes, smoke detectors, or professional security services.

We love talking about the things that make a vacation rental property better. If you’re interested in learning more about enhancing your property’s appeal and safety, we invite you to contact us at Anchor Down Real Estate & Rentals. We’ll help you stay ahead of industry trends and best practices by sharing resources and all of our expertise.